FTC Reports 2020 a Record Year for Online Dating Scammers

Image: FTC

The Federal Trade Commission found that more online dating scams happened in 2020 than ever before, thanks to people flocking to dating apps in the wake of the pandemic. 

The FTC released a new report in February citing the disturbing news, noting that dating app scams are the most lucrative for criminals because they provide an easy way to access and manipulate targets. Scammers are able to create an emotional connection with their victims when they target them on dating apps, and are better able to keep extracting money. The total amount of stolen funds on dating apps in 2020 was estimated to be $304 million, or about $2,500 per victim. This was double the amount stolen from dating app users in 2019, according to Insider.

People were especially vulnerable to scams in the wake of lockdowns from the pandemic. Single people were more lonely and craving of connection, and the scammers had the perfect excuse to not meet in person.

The FTC report said: “Scammers fabricate attractive online profiles to draw people in, often lifting pictures from the web and using made up names. Some go a step further and assume the identities of real people. Once they make online contact, they make up reasons not to meet in person. The pandemic has both made that easier and inspired new twists to their stories, with many people reporting that their so-called suitor claimed to be unable to travel because of the pandemic. Some scammers have reportedly even canceled first date plans due to a supposed positive COVID-19 test.”

The scams took place across a number of popular dating platforms, including those that target young adults and services for older daters. Older daters were especially targeted according to the report, as the over-fifty demographic holds most of the wealth in the country. 

While older daters saw the most individual loss, romance scams increased in every age group over the past year. Reports from victims aged 20-29 doubled over the past year, while people 40 to 69 were the most likely to report being scammed. Those 70 and older reported the highest individual losses, averaging about $9,475 per person.

The type of scams varied, with some scammers actually sending money to targets and asking them to return it or send to someone else. As it turned out, they were laundering the money, most often from stolen unemployment benefits. Requests for gift cards and wire transfers were also a popular way to extract money from victims, with scammers claiming they needed the money for medical expenses related to COVID.

The FTC report included some tips to avoid getting scammed:

• Never send money or gifts to someone you haven’t met in person – even if they send you money first.
• Talk to someone you trust about this new love interest. It can be easy to miss things that don’t add up. Pay attention if your friends or family are concerned.
• Take it slowly. Ask questions and look for inconsistent answers.
• Try a reverse-image search of the profile pictures. If they’re associated with another name or with details that don’t match up, it’s a scam.

You can learn more at https://www.ftc.gov/romancescams.